Huntersville, NC
Scott Koepf, senior VP of sales for Avoya Travel, says that Diane Bower, an independent advisor with the network who generates more than $3.2 million in sales annually, “is a consummate business owner and travel expert. Diane runs her independent agency with integrity and professionalism, provides personalized customer service and creates extraordinary vacations for travelers. I’ve known Diane for years and she’s an ‘All Star’ by definition.”
Bower consistently wins top honors with Avoya annually and is a top producer for Crystal, Oceania, Seabourn and Silversea cruises, says Koepf.
Bower, who is also a river cruise expert and specializes in Europe, South America and the South Pacific, says that a good travel advisor should listen without interrupting. “I don’t ask for the sale. It’s a given. I have a ‘shut up, stupid’ philosophy. If you talk too much, you talk yourself out of a sale.”
For that reason, Bower never says, “no,” when a client asks if it’s a good time to talk. She’s taken calls even while on horseback (“It’s never a bad time!”), and isn’t afraid to tell a client they’re asking her to book something she doesn’t feel is right for them. “I’ve traveled extensively and don’t sell anything I haven’t done. I confidently advise clients because I’ve been there, have insider tips and off-the-beaten-path recommendations,” she says.
At presstime, Bower, who loves animals, was gearing up for the annual event benefit she hosts on behalf of the Humane Society. “We sell tickets to 100-plus attendees and guests bring donations, such as dog food and crates, to the event. We typically raise around $10,000 and fill a tractor-trailer with Humane Society donations.”